Welcome back to Inside Knitscene!
Besides writing about Knitscene, I’ll be blogging about plus-size knitting and the patterns from our magazines. We’ll talk about altering patterns, upsizing classics (remember the Central Park Hoodie?), and tutorials on garment construction and techniques.
Perhaps the best part of my new venture on Knitting Daily is that I’ll be knitting designs from issues of the magazine. I have access to the patterns in each issue months before you see them in print, and in that window I’ll be working up selected sweaters in my own size or larger. We’ll get to discuss design elements and how they work, or don’t work, for curvy women. We’ll discuss gauge, drape, patterning, shaping, ease, and how to choose a size.
From time to time I’ll do Galleries, where other plus-sized women try on the sweaters. Interweave Knits and Knitscene offer wonderful designs for women of all sizes, and on this blog we’ll be able to match body diversity with those designs. Everyone is welcome here.
I’ll be getting pretty personal with you when it comes to talking size and shape. So let’s get it all out in the open. I’m a size 16 with a 41" bust. I usually knit sweaters with 39-44" bust circumference, depending on desired ease. I’m 5'5". I’ve been every size from a 12 to 22 in my adult life, and I’ve knitted many, many sweaters in that time.
Up first, I’ll be talking about a sweater from the Fall issue of Knitscene. It may be July, ladies, but I’m thinking fall. When you’re knitting a 44" pullover, it’s always good to start a little early.
A Quick Sweater for all Sizes
For the fall issue of Knitscene, I designed a super-fast sweater with a chunky tape yarn. The Eyelet Corset Pullover is really simple—this yarn has so much character, there was no reason to complicate the look with lots of details. The sole interest is the column of yarnovers at the bodice. Because the yarnovers, worked top-down, are increases, they create the sweeping diagonal lines you see running from neck to armhole. Compensating decreases are worked at the armholes, so there is no change in stitch count. Centrally-placed decreases shape the waist, bringing those sweeping lines back to center. This change in direction creates natural cups for the bust, making this a great garment for busty women.
Sized to 50 1/2" bust, I think this garment will work well for many women. The plain stockinette body allows for easily-customized shaping, and I made some tweaks to the pattern to account for plus sizes.
I’ve been working on an Eyelet Corset Pullover for myself—more to come real soon!
Let’s knit for us,
Lisa